New book tells about prisoner support group
A new book is out on a prisoner support group that helps newly emerged individuals reintegrate into society.
It’s interesting to understand that people living in halfway houses are banned from using the internet (see Joey’s comment below). If they’re expected to find jobs, independent places to live, apply for government aid, if they’re even meant to inform themselves about the news – for example if there’s an election and they want to vote – how else are they meant to do it in the 21st century? The internet is not a frivolous add‑on to modern life. It is modern life.
Jonz 15:02 on 2022-02-21 Permalink
It seems like “rules” of this sort often originate from the opinions of one person and then get handed down institutionally from year to year without additional thought. You’re right; it seems like an obstacle that ought to get questioned!
Joey 16:04 on 2022-02-21 Permalink
To be clear, the article says that “many living in halfway houses are banned from having the technology that would allow them to attend virtually” – this is not the same as saying that people living in halfway houses are forbidden from using the Internet. It could mean that certain former prisoners are forbidden from using certain kinds of devices or accessing the Internet because of the nature of their crimes (e.g., phishing schemes, ‘luring’ minors, etc.) or it could mean that the halfway houses don’t include the laptops/phones/etc. that you would need to join a Zoom call.
I’m sure some modernization of halfway house conditions is in order, but I’m not sure blanket statements like “people living in halfway houses are banned from using the internet.” I know one person living in such a situation last fall; he had an iPhone with iMessage (e.g., non-SMS messaging) enabled, shopped online, etc. I think the expectation is that all communication could/would be monitored, but access to the Internet was not blocked…
Kate 16:33 on 2022-02-21 Permalink
That’s good to know, Joey. Thanks!